Compare Utility Providers in Rochester, NY

Top 26 Electric Providers in Rochester

Top 6 Natural Gas Providers in Rochester

Top 9 Internet Providers in Rochester

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Rochester

Top 10 Trash and Recycling Providers in Rochester

Utilities Summary for Rochester, NY

Electric Companies:	26
Natural Gas Companies:	6
Water & Sewage Providers:	2
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	10
Municipal Electricity:	No

Settling In? Everything You Need to Know About Rochester Utilities

Nestled along Lake Ontario in western New York, Rochester is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and world-class universities like the University of Rochester and RIT. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or just a change of pace, one of the first things you’ll need to do in your new home is get your utilities in order. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up electric, gas, water, trash, internet, and more, including energy-saving programs, renewable options, and financial assistance if you need a little help along the way.

Electricity Service in Rochester

In Rochester, the primary electricity provider is RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric), which is part of Avangrid. RG&E services around 700,000 electric and natural gas customers across western New York. RG&E handles both the delivery and maintenance of electric infrastructure in most of Monroe County. In addition to energy delivery, they also offer outage alerts, flexible billing, and energy efficiency programs. However, New York is a deregulated energy state, which means you can shop around for a different supplier for your electricity generation while RG&E continues to deliver the power.

Electric Supply Options

Here are some top third-party electricity suppliers in the Rochester area:

• Constellation Energy: Offers fixed-rate electricity plans and renewable energy options.
• Direct Energy: Known for bundling electricity and gas with other services like home protection plans.
• Clearview Energy: Offers 100% renewable electricity options.
• Green Mountain Energy: Specializes in electricity from wind and solar sources.

Tips for Choosing a Supplier

• Compare fixed vs. variable rates.
• Look for 100% renewable options if sustainability is a priority.
• Check contract length and cancellation fees.
• Use NYS Power to Choose to compare offers.

Energy Efficiency Rebates from RG&E

RG&E offers a variety of rebate programs to help reduce energy use and save money:

• Up to $75 rebate on smart thermostats.
• Lighting discounts through participating retailers.
• Home performance audits with Energy Star.
• HVAC system upgrades and insulation incentives.

Natural Gas Service in Rochester

RG&E also provides natural gas delivery service in most of Rochester. Like electricity, gas supply is deregulated, giving you the flexibility to choose a different supplier while still receiving delivery through RG&E.

Third-Party Gas Suppliers in Rochester

• Direct Energy: Offers fixed-rate natural gas plans.
• Constellation: Competitive pricing and usage tracking tools.
• Just Energy: Offers carbon offset options with some gas plans.

Tips for Choosing a Gas Supplier

• Choose a fixed-rate plan for budgeting stability during cold winters.
• Look for suppliers with no cancellation fees.
• Consider environmentally friendly suppliers offering carbon offsets.

Rebates for Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrades

RG&E offers incentives on:

• High-efficiency furnaces and boilers
• Tankless and storage water heaters
• Pipe insulation
• Smart thermostats and weatherization improvements

Water Service in Rochester

Water in Rochester is managed by the City of Rochester Water Bureau, which sources water from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, two pristine Finger Lakes.

What to Know About Water Service

• The water system services about 210,000 people.
• Monthly water bills include consumption charges and a service charge.
• You’ll need to contact the Water Bureau at least 3–5 business days in advance to set up or transfer service: (585) 428-5990 or City Water Website.
• Rochester consistently earns high marks for water quality.
• The city has a Water Conservation Program that encourages reduced lawn watering and offers free rain barrels during some community events.

Trash & Recycling Services

Trash and recycling services are provided by the City of Rochester Department of Environmental Services. Collection is weekly, and the schedule varies by neighborhood.

How Trash and Recycling Works

• Trash is collected in black wheeled toters provided by the city.
• Recycling is single-stream and collected every other week.
• Yard waste is collected seasonally and must be placed in paper lawn bags or containers labeled “yard waste.”

Special Programs Offered

• E-Waste Collection Days for electronics and appliances.
• Hazardous Waste Drop-offs in coordination with Monroe County.
• Leaf Collection Program in the fall (no bagging required).

Best Internet Providers in Rochester

You’ll find a range of reliable internet options in Rochester, whether you’re looking for fast fiber speeds or affordable wireless solutions.

• Spectrum: Offers cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps. No data caps, widely available to over 91% of the city, and often bundled with TV or phone service.
• Verizon Fios: Fiber-optic internet available in select areas, about 58% of the area, with speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. Offers symmetrical upload/download speeds.
• Frontier: Provides DSL and fiber internet, depending on location, only about 40% of the city. Known for its no-contract options.
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Uses T-Mobile’s 5G wireless network for home internet. No data caps, easy setup, and portable.

Tips for Choosing Internet

• Check exact address availability, especially for Fios and Frontier fiber.
• Consider bundling with mobile or TV to save money.
• Evaluate upload speeds if you work from home or stream frequently.

Green Energy, Conservation & Sustainability

Rochester has a growing number of programs that promote energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

Green Options in the Area:

• RG&E Renewable Energy Plans: Some third-party suppliers offer 100% renewable electricity sourced from wind or solar.
• Community Solar: Programs like Nexamp and Ampion allow you to subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on your electric bill.
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Offers free or low-cost energy audits for income-qualified residents.

Local Conservation Initiatives:

• The City of Rochester Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.
• Monroe County Recycling Center offers education and tours for residents interested in waste reduction and sustainability.
• Rain Barrel Program: Occasionally available to residents to reduce stormwater runoff.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Rochester

Whether you’re experiencing a temporary hardship or living on a limited income, there are several programs available to help with utility costs in Rochester.

City, State & Provider Assistance Programs:

• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps income-eligible households pay heating bills. Apply through Monroe County DSS.
• RG&E Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Offers monthly bill credits for qualified customers receiving HEAP or other benefits.
• EmPower New York: Provides no-cost energy efficiency upgrades for income-eligible households.
• Project SHARE Heating Fund: Administered by HeartShare and RG&E to help customers in emergency situations with gas and electric bills.
• Water Assistance Program: The City of Rochester occasionally offers relief programs to help residents avoid shutoffs for unpaid water bills.
• Lifeline Program: Offers discounted internet or phone service for eligible households through providers like Spectrum and Frontier.

Rochester Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Rochester

Rochester Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.